Washington: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has significantly increased the reward for information leading to the capture of individuals on its prestigious ‘Ten Most Wanted’ list, raising it to up to $1 million. The list includes an Indian national accused in a decade-old murder case and, for the first time, a suspect linked to major cybercrime operations.
Among those featured is Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, who has been evading authorities since 2015. He is accused of killing his wife at a doughnut shop in Hanover before fleeing. Investigators believe he later travelled to Newark, where he was last reportedly seen. Officials caution that he should be considered armed and highly dangerous.
Speaking at a press briefing, FBI official Heith R. Janke said the enhanced reward applies to all individuals currently on the list, underlining the agency’s push to intensify efforts in tracking down fugitives worldwide. The reward amount was previously capped at $250,000.
The latest update to the list also marks a historic shift, with the inclusion of Anibal Aguirre, the first alleged cybercriminal to feature among the FBI’s most wanted. He is accused of orchestrating an international ATM “jackpotting” scheme, highlighting the growing threat of sophisticated financial crimes in the digital age.
In addition, suspects including Samuel Ramirez Jr and Trung Duc Lu were recently added, with Ramirez already apprehended in Mexico following public tips shortly after his inclusion.
The ‘Ten Most Wanted’ program, launched in 1950, remains one of the most recognisable crime-fighting initiatives globally. Authorities credit public cooperation as a crucial factor in its success, noting that a large number of arrests over the decades have been made possible through information provided by citizens.
Officials emphasised that many fugitives attempt to evade capture by crossing international borders, making global coordination and media outreach essential tools in bringing them to justice.
